GEN 1 2010 6.2/Headers

Been thinking about throwing on some long tube headers and having an exhaust made up. The guy I am thinking about getting to do it says I may need a tune after as the trucks computer etc will be fussy about it. This true for you that have put on long tube headers? Can you get away without a tune or will you need one to make the truck and computer happy and not scream at you?

It will still drive. Your going to get a check engine light due to the cat location change or removal, and the transport delay will be off so your fuel economy and probably tip in throttle response won't be great. Tune would be best, tune has lots of benefits. Headers+tune=enjoy!

As mentioned before, it'll work but to get the best benefit, a tune will be needed.

Right on, thanks. Dude who is going to do it doesn't do any tunes so I'll have to find a place to do so if I choose the long tubes instead of shorties.

I installed SW long tubes back in 2010, no CEL ever. That said, I am running a tune just because it wakes up the 6.2.

I think when you say tune you are reffering to dyno tune? If so, you don't need to dyno (although its the most accurate tuning option) just get an SCT module and have someone upload a shelf tune to get it running better and maybe later get it dyno'd.

If I were you, I would get a Tune first!!! It will be the best and biggest bang for your bucks!!!
Headers add very little in HP and a little more with a Tune.

JDM is the place to go to for a Tune.
@JimIII@JDM

Short or long headers will throw a code and you won't be able to pass a emission test.
The rear O2s will be in a "not ready" state when plug into the emission tester.

You have the option of adding rear O2 extension with different orifice washers,
so the rear O2s will heat up in the correct time the PCM's emission tests is set for.

With a Tune,
You have the option of using the rear spacers and keeping all the safety features and pass the emission test.
Or just have the tuner turn them off so the check engine light won't come on.
But then you'll have no safety if a cat goes bad and you won't pass emissions.

There are differences with cats as well.
Stock cats are the best.
Kooks Green Cats are the best replacement.
Hi-Flow cats are the worst and won't last long.

I'm currently experiencing this emissions BS. I have Stainless Works LT Headers w/ SW high flow cats, AFE CAI, and a SCT x4 with 5 star tunes all from Stage 3 Motorsports.
North Carolina inspection came back with O2 sensors not ready. So I called Stage 3 and they said the EPA cracked down so my only option is to revert the exhaust back to stock.
Seeing as that's not an option, how do I remedy this?

You need to verify the tune is setup to enable the rear O2 sensors (this is a simple modification in the tune). Unfortunately stage 3 uses 5 star tunes, which aren't known to work very well on these trucks. Then you have to complete a full driving cycle. If the tune checks out to have them enabled and they are still failing readiness you may have to get the sensors moved closer to the cats or put in a more effective set of cats.

Another option would be put your stock intake and tune back on, go do emmisions then return it to the tuned state.

I'll pay for a different tune if it works but what should I look for? Also, can I return the truck to stock with LT Headers without worry?